Optical imaging system

ABSTRACT

An optical imaging system includes a rod lens array, whose individual lenses have a refractive index distribution optimized for high resolving power, which can be expressed by 
     
         n(r).sup.2 =n.sub.0.sup.2 ·{1-(g·r).sup.2 +h.sub.4 
    
      ·(g·r) 4  +h 6  ·(g·r) 6  }(Eq. 93) 
     wherein r is a radial distance from an optical axis of said rod lenses, n 0  is the refractive index at the optical axis of said rod lenses, and g, h 4  and h 6  are coefficients of the refractive index distribution. The refractive index distribution coefficients h 4  and h 6  are defined, using parameters a, b, c, and d, as 
     
         c-d≦h.sub.4 ≦c+d                             (Eq. 94) 
    
     
         {(h.sub.4 -c)/d}.sup.2 +[{h.sub.6 -(a·h.sub.4 +b)}/e].sup.2 
    
      ≦1.                                                (Eq. 95)

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an optical imaging system used in an image transmission portion of, for example, a facsimile device or a copier. More particularly, the invention relates to an optical imaging system comprising a plurality of rod lenses arranged in an array.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Optical imaging systems comprising a plurality of rod lenses with a refractive index distribution in a radial direction that are arranged in an array are widely used in the image transmission portion of, for example, facsimile devices or copiers.

The refractive index distribution of such rod lenses can be expressed, for example by

    n(r).sup.2 n=.sub.0.sup.2 ·{1-(g·r).sup.2 +h.sub.4 ·(g·r).sup.4 +h.sub.6 ·(g·r).sup.6 }(Eq. 25)

wherein r is the radial distance from the optical axis of the rod lens, n(r) is the refractive index at the radial distance r from the optical axis of the rod lenses, n₀ is the refractive index at the optical axis of the rod lens (center a refractive index), and g, h₄ and h₆ are coefficients for the refractive index distribution.

Conventionally, the resolving power demanded from such a rod lens array called for an MTF (modulation transfer function) of at least 60% when a pattern of 4-6 line-pairs/mm (ca. 200 dpi-300 dpi) was imaged. To meet this demand, it was sufficient to control only g or both g and h₄ of the refractive index distribution coefficients for the rod lens.

Recently, however, with the steadily rising quality of printers and scanners, there is a demand for rod lens arrays with a resolving power of at least 12 line-pairs/mm (ca. 600 dpi). To realize a rod lens array having such a high resolving power, all refractive index distribution coefficients including h₆ have to be controlled precisely during design and fabrication of the rod lens array.

It is possible to determine the optimum refractive index distribution coefficients for correcting the spherical aberration on the optical axis of a single rod lens. However, in the case of a plurality of rod lenses arranged in an array, not only spherical aberration, image curvature and astigmatism of the individual lenses, but also the overlapping of images from neighboring lenses may change the resolving power.

The optimum refractive index distribution changes also with the brightness of the rod lenses. For example, in the case of bright rod lenses with a large aperture angle, the refractive index distribution coefficients for a small axial spherical aberration are very different from the refractive index distribution coefficients for a small image curvature. The best resolving power can be attained by striking a balance between the two.

The overlapping degree is given by

    m=X.sub.0 /2r.sub.0                                        (Eq. 26)

wherein r₀ is the effective radius of the lens portion, that is the radius of the portion of the rod lenses that functions as a lens, and X₀ is the image radius that a single rod lens projects onto the image plane (field of view). Here, X₀ is defined as X₀ =-r₀ /cos(Z₀ π/P), wherein Z₀ is the rod lens length and P is the one-pitch length of the rod lens. Even if the rod lenses have the same refractive index distribution, the overlapping degree is dependent upon the length of the lenses, and thus changes the resolving power.

Consequently, to attain a high resolving power, the refractive index distribution coefficients have to be determined separately in accordance with at least the numerical angle and the overlapping degree of each rod lens.

The present invention has been developed with consideration of these facts. The purpose of the present invention is to provide an optical imaging system comprising a plurality of rod lenses arranged in an array, and having a refractive index distribution that is ideal for attaining a high resolving power.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to achieve these purposes, a first configuration of an optical imaging system for focusing light from a manuscript (i.e. object) plane onto an image plane in accordance with the present invention comprises a rod lens array having a plurality of rod lenses with a refractive index distribution in a radial direction that are arranged in one row so that their optical axes are parallel. The refractive index distribution of the rod lenses can be expressed by

    n(r).sup.2 =n.sub.0.sup.2 ·{1-(g·r).sup.2 +h.sub.4 ·(g·r).sup.4 +h.sub.6 ·(g·r).sup.6 }(Eq. 27)

wherein r is a radial distance from an optical axis of the rod lenses, n₀ is the refractive index on the optical axis of the rod lenses, and g, h₄ and h₆ are coefficients of the refractive index distribution. Constants a, b, c, d, and e are given by

    a=-10.sup.LA

    LA=3.632-24.54(g·r.sub.0)+102.4(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -172.8(g·r.sub.0).sup.3                          (Eq. 28)

    b=10.sup.LB

    LB=3.729-28.78(g·r.sub.0)+131.4(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -238.6(g·r.sub.0).sup.3                          (Eq. 29)

    c=1                                                        (Eq. 30)

    d=10.sup.LD ·(1.789-0.6063 m+0.06225 m.sup.2)

    LD=2.216-18.01(g·r.sub.0)+53.51(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -73.59(g·r.sub.0).sup.3                          (Eq. 31)

    e=10.sup.LE ·10.sup.LE2

    LE=5.327-47.81(g·r.sub.0)+197.7(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -334.2(g·r.sub.0).sup.3

    LE2=0.2460-0.1669 m+0.00056 m.sup.2                        (Eq. 32)

wherein r₀ is a radius of a portion of the rod lenses functioning as a lens, and m is an overlapping degree. The refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ are in ranges defined by

    c-d≦h.sub.4 ≦c+d                             (Eq. 33)

    {(h.sub.4 -c)/d}.sup.2 +[{h.sub.6 -(a·h.sub.4 +b)}/e].sup.2 ≦1.                                                (Eq. 34)

According to this first configuration, an optical imaging system can be realized, which comprises a plurality of rod lenses, arranged in an array, that have a suitable refractive index distribution for attaining a high resolving power of at least 12 line-pairs/mm (ca. 600 dpi) if the outer diameter of the lenses is 0.6 mm.

In the first configuration of the optical imaging system, it is preferable that the refractive distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ are in ranges defined by

    c-d/2≦h.sub.4 ≦c+d/2                         (Eq. 35)

    {2(h.sub.4 -c)/d}.sup.2 +[2{h.sub.6 -(a·h.sub.4 +b)}/e].sup.2 ≦1.                                                (Eq. 36)

According to this configuration, an optical imaging system with a more preferable refractive index distribution can be realized.

In the first configuration of the optical imaging system, it is preferable that the refractive index n₀ at the optical axis of the rod lenses is in a range of 1.4≦n₀ ≦1.8.

In the first configuration of the optical imaging system, it is preferable that the product g·r₀ of the refractive index distribution coefficient g and the radius r₀ of the portion of the rod lenses functioning as a lens is in a range of 0.04≦g·r₀ ≦0.27. If g·r₀ is smaller than 0.04, the image becomes too dark and the time for scanning etc. becomes long. If g·r₀ is larger than 0.27, the influence of the image curvature and the astigmatism becomes too large and the resolving power decreases.

In the first configuration of the optical imaging system, it is preferable that the refractive index distribution of the rod lenses is given by

    n(r).sup.2 =n.sub.0.sup.2 ·{1-(g·r).sup.2 +f(r)}(Eq. 37)

wherein f(r) is a function of r that satisfies

    h.sub.4A ·(g·r).sup.4 +h.sub.6A ·(g·r).sup.6 ≦f(r)≦h.sub.4B ·(g·r).sup.4 +h.sub.6B ·(g·r).sup.6(Eq. 38)

for r in a range of 0≦r≦r₀ (r₀ : radius of the portion of the rod lenses functioning as a lens) for two groups of refractive index distribution coefficients (n₀, g, h_(4A), h_(6A)) and (n₀, g, h_(4B), h_(6B)) that are in the ranges defined by Eq. 28-Eq. 34.

In the first configuration of the optical imaging system, it is preferable that the radius r₀ of the portion of the rod lenses functioning as a lens is in a range of 0.05 mm≦r₀ ≦0.60 mm. According to this configuration, production and assembly of the rod lenses become easy, and the aberrations of the rod lens array can be kept small.

Since the refractive index distribution at the peripheral portion of the rod lenses can differ considerably from the designed value, this portion often cannot be used for the lens. Also, sometimes the lenses comprise a light-absorbing layer to prevent stray light that may be due to total reflection at the lens side surface. Moreover, depending on the conditions for assembling the rod lens array, sometimes the rod lenses are arranged with a certain distance between each other. Therefore, it is preferable that in the first configuration of the optical imaging system, r₀ /R is in the range 0.5≦r₀ /R≦1.0, wherein r₀ is the radius of the portion of the rod lenses functioning as a lens and 2R is a distance between the optical axis of two neighboring rod lenses.

In the first configuration of the optical imaging system, it is preferable that Z₀ /P is in the range 0.5<Z₀ /P<1.0, wherein Z₀ is a length of a rod lens and P=2π/g is a one-pitch length of the rod lenses. According to this configuration, an erected image can be obtained.

In the first configuration of the optical imaging system, it is preferable that the overlapping degree m that is defined as m=X₀ /2r₀, wherein X₀ is the image radius that one rod lens projects onto the image plane and r₀ is the radius of the portion of the rod lenses functioning as a lens, is in a range of 1.0≦m≦5.0. If the overlapping degree m is larger than 5.0, the image becomes too dark and the time for scanning etc. becomes long. If the overlapping degree m is smaller than 1.0, periodical irregularities appear in the brightness of the image plane.

In the first configuration of the optical imaging system, it is preferable that a parallel plane transparent substrate is arranged so that the object plane is positioned at a front focal position of the rod lens array. According to this embodiment, the object plane can be set at the front focal position just by pressing the manuscript to the surface of the transparent substrate. In this case, it is preferable that the parallel plane substrate contacts the lens surfaces of the rod lens array. This can be easily realized by adjusting the thickness of the transparent substrate. According to this embodiment, the adjustment of the distance between the rod lens array and the front focal position can be simplified, which makes the assembly of the optical imaging system cheaper.

A second configuration of an optical imaging system for focusing light from an object plane onto an image plane in accordance with the present invention comprises a rod lens array having a plurality of rod lenses with a refractive index distribution in a radial direction that are arranged in two rows so that their optical axes are parallel. The refractive index distribution of the rod lenses can be expressed by

    n(r).sup.2 =n.sub.0.sup.2 ·{1-(g·r).sup.2 +h.sub.4 ·(g·r).sup.4 +h.sub.6 ·(g·r).sup.6 }(Eq. 39)

wherein r is a radial distance from an optical axis of the rod lenses, n₀ is the refractive index at the optical axis of the rod lenses, and g, h₄ and h₆ are coefficients of the refractive index distribution. Constants a, b, c, d, and e are given by

    a=-10.sup.LA

    LA=3.6631-25.192(g·r.sub.0)+103.73(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -170.81(g·r.sub.0).sup.3                         (Eq. 40)

    b=10.sup.LB

    LB=3.3489-21.092(g·r.sub.0)+78.535(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -128.31(g·r.sub.0).sup.3                         (Eq. 41)

    c=1                                                        (Eq. 42)

    d=10.sup.LD ·(1.7805-0.6275 m-0.064757 m.sup.2)

    LD=2.358-22.161(g·r.sub.0)+84.009(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -141.6(g·r.sub.0).sup.3                          (Eq. 43)

    e=10.sup.LE ·10.sup.LE2

    LE=5.3197-48.816(g·r.sub.0)+197.65(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -317.05(g·r.sub.0).sup.3

    LE2=0.56302-0.42878 m+0.042574 m.sup.2                     (Eq. 44)

wherein r₀ is the radius of the portion of the rod lenses functioning as a lens, and m is the overlapping degree. The refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ are in the ranges defined by

    c-d≦h.sub.4 ≦c+d                             (Eq. 45)

and

    {(h.sub.4 c)/d}.sup.2 +[{h.sub.6 -(a·h.sub.4 +b)}/e].sup.2 ≦1.                                                (Eq. 46)

According to this second configuration, an optical imaging system can be realized, which comprises a plurality of rod lenses, arranged in an array, that have a suitable refractive index distribution for attaining a high resolving power of at least 12 line-pairs/mm (ca. 600 dpi) if the outer diameter of the lenses is 0.6 mm.

In the second configuration of the optical imaging system, it is preferable that the refractive distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ are in the ranges defined by

    c-d/2≦h.sub.4 ≦c+d/2                         (Eq. 47)

    {2(h.sub.4 -c)/d}.sup.2 +[2{h.sub.6 -(a·h.sub.4 +b)}/e].sup.2 ≦1.                                                (Eq. 48)

According to this configuration, an optical imaging system with a more preferable refractive index distribution can be realized.

In the second configuration of the optical imaging system, it is preferable that the refractive index n₀ at the optical axis of the rod lenses is in a range of 1.4≦n₀ ≦1.8.

In the second configuration of the optical imaging system, it is preferable that the product g·r₀ of the refractive index distribution coefficient g and the radius r₀ of the portion functioning as a lens is in a range of 0.04≦g·r₀ ≦0.27. If g·r₀ is smaller than 0.04, the image becomes too dark and the time for scanning etc. becomes long. If g·r₀ is larger than 0.27, the influence of the image curvature and the astigmatism becomes too large and the resolving power decreases.

In the second configuration of the optical imaging system, it is preferable that the refractive index distribution of the rod lenses is given by

    n(r).sup.2 =n.sub.0.sup.2 ·{1-(g·r).sup.2 +f(r)}(Eq. 49)

wherein f(r) is a function of r that satisfies

    h.sub.4A ·(g·r).sup.4 +h.sub.6A ·(g·r).sup.6 ≦f(r)≦h.sub.4B ·(g·r).sup.4 +h.sub.6B ·(g·r).sup.6(Eq. 50)

in a range of 0≦r≦r₀ (r₀ : radius of the portion of the rod lenses functioning as a lens) for two groups of refractive index distribution coefficients (n₀, g, h_(4A), h_(6A)) and (n₀, g, h_(4B), h_(6B)) that are in the ranges defined by Eq. 40-Eq. 46.

In the second configuration of the optical imaging system, it is preferable that the radius r₀ of the portion of the rod lenses functioning as a lens is in a range of 0.05 mm≦r₀ ≦0.60 mm. According to this configuration, production and assembly of the rod lenses become easy, and the aberrations of the rod lens array can be kept small.

Since the refractive index distribution at the peripheral portion of the rod lenses can differ considerably from the designed value, this portion often cannot be used for the lens. Also, sometimes the lenses comprise a light-absorbing layer to prevent stray light that may be due to total reflection at the lens side surface. Moreover, depending on the conditions for assembling the rod lens array, sometimes the rod lenses are arranged with a certain distance between each other. Therefore, it is preferable that in the first configuration of the optical imaging system, r₀ /R is in the range 0.5≦r₀ /R≦1.0, wherein r₀ is the radius of the portion of the rod lenses functioning as a lens and 2R is a distance between the optical axis of two neighboring rod lenses.

In the second configuration of the optical imaging system, it is preferable that Z₀ /P is in the range 0.5<Z₀ /P<1.0, wherein Z₀ is a length of a rod lens and P=2π/g is a one-pitch length of the rod lenses. According to this configuration, an erected image can be obtained.

In the second configuration of the optical imaging system, it is preferable that the overlapping degree m that is defined as m=X₀ /2r₀, wherein X₀ is the image radius that the rod lenses project onto the image plane and r₀ is the radius of the portion of the rod lenses functioning as a lens, is in a range of 1.0≦m≦5.0. If the overlapping degree m is larger than 5.0, the image becomes too dark and the time for scanning etc. becomes long. If the overlapping degree m is smaller than 1.0, periodical irregularities appear in the brightness of the image plane.

In the second configuration of the optical imaging system, it is preferable that a parallel plane transparent substrate is arranged so that the object plane is positioned at a front focal position of the rod lens array. According to this embodiment, the object plane can be set at the front focal position just by pressing the manuscript to the surface of the transparent substrate. In this case, it is preferable that the parallel plane substrate contacts the lens surfaces of the rod lens array. This can be easily realized by adjusting the thickness of the transparent substrate. According to this embodiment, the adjustment of the distance between the rod lens array and the front focal position can be simplified, which makes the assembly of the optical imaging system cheaper.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rod lens used in the optical imaging system according to a first and a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an optical imaging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a graph of the refractive index distribution of the rod lenses used in the optical imaging system according to the first and the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing illustrating the image-formation with a rod lens used in the optical imaging system according to the first and the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of an image composition by the rod lenses used in the optical imaging system according to the first and the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing illustrating the measurement point of the MTF values for the optical imaging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates the "good image range" for the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ of the rod lenses used in the optical imaging system according to the first and the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates the dependency of the constant a, which governs the good image range for the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ of the rod lenses used in the optical imaging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, upon the dimensionless factor g·r₀.

FIG. 9 illustrates the dependency of the constant b, which governs the good image range for the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ of the rod lenses used in the optical imaging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, upon the dimensionless factor g·r₀.

FIG. 10 illustrates the dependency of the constant d, which governs the good image range for the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ of the rod lenses used in the optical imaging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, upon the dimensionless factor g·r₀.

FIG. 11 illustrates the dependency of the constant e, which governs the good image range for the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ of the rod lenses used in the optical imaging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, upon the dimensionless factor g·r₀.

FIG. 12 illustrates the dependency of the constants d and e, which govern the good image range for the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ of the rod lenses used in the optical imaging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, upon the refractive index n₀ at the optical axis of the rod lenses.

FIG. 13 illustrates the dependency of the constant d, which governs the good image range for the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ of the rod lenses used in the optical imaging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, upon the overlapping degree m.

FIG. 14 illustrates the dependency of the constant e, which governs the good image range for the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ of the rod lenses used in the optical imaging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, upon the overlapping degree m.

FIG. 15 illustrates the dependency of the constant b, which governs the good image range for the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ of the rod lenses used in the optical imaging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, upon the overlapping degree m.

FIG. 16 is a sectional drawing of an optical imaging device comprising a parallel plane transparent substrate, in accordance with the first and the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates another way of determining a good image range for the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ of the rod lenses used in the optical imaging system according to the first and the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an optical imaging system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a schematic drawing illustrating the measurement point of the MTF values for the optical imaging system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 illustrates the dependency of the constant a, which governs the good image range for the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ of the rod lenses used in the optical imaging system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, upon the dimensionless factor g·r₀.

FIG. 21 illustrates the dependency of the constant b, which governs the good image range for the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ of the rod lenses used in the optical imaging system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, upon the dimensionless factor g·r₀.

FIG. 22 illustrates the dependency of the constant d, which governs the good image range for the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ of the rod lenses used in the optical imaging system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, upon the dimensionless factor g·r₀.

FIG. 23 illustrates the dependency of the constant e, which governs the good image range for the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ of the rod lenses used in the optical imaging system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, upon the dimensionless factor g·r₀.

FIG. 24 illustrates the dependency of the constants d and e, which govern the good image range for the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ of the rod lenses used in the optical imaging system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, upon the refractive index n₀ at the optical axis of the rod lenses.

FIG. 25 illustrates the dependency of the constant d, which governs the good image range for the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ of the rod lenses used in the optical imaging system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, upon the overlapping degree m.

FIG. 26 illustrates the dependency of the constant e, which governs the good image range for the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ of the rod lenses used in the optical imaging system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, upon the overlapping degree m.

FIG. 27 illustrates the dependency of the constant b, which governs the good image range for the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ of the rod lenses used in the optical imaging system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, upon the overlapping degree m.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following is a more detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention.

First Embodiment

As is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a plurality of columnar rod lenses 1 with a refractive index distribution in the radial direction is arranged in one row in a rod lens array 2 for one-to-one imaging with their optical axes 1a in parallel. This optical imaging system focuses light from an object plane 3 onto an image plane 4, the planes being arranged on the two sides of the rod lens array 2.

As is shown in FIG. 3, the refractive index n of the rod lenses 1 underlies a distribution in the radial direction, which can be expressed by

    n(r).sup.2 =n.sub.0.sup.2 ·{1-(g·r).sup.2 +h.sub.4 ·(g·r).sup.4 +h.sub.6 ·(g·r).sup.6 }(Eq. 51)

wherein r is a radial distance from an optical axis 1a of the rod lenses 1, n(r) is the refractive index at the radial distance r from the optical axis 1a of the rod lens 1, n₀ is the refractive index at the optical axis 1a of the rod lenses 1 (center refractive index), and g, h₄ and h₆ are coefficients of the refractive index distribution.

To attain erected images as shown in FIG. 4, the ratio Z₀ /P of the length Z₀ of the rod lenses 1 and a one-pitch length P=2π/g of the rod lenses 1 has to be in the range 0.5<Z₀ /P<1.0.

The distance L₀ between the edge (lens surface) of the rod lens array 2 and the object plane 3 and the distance L₀ between the edge (lens surface) of the rod lens array 2 and the imaging plane 4 (see FIG. 2) can be expressed by

    L.sub.0 =-{1/(n.sub.0 ·g)}·tan(Z.sub.0 π/P).(Eq. 52)

It is preferable that the radius r₀ of the effective rod lens portion, that is the radius of the rod lens portion functioning as a lens, is in a range of 0.05 mm≦r₀ ≦0.60 mm.

Lenses with a small r₀ can attain a high resolution more easily, because the amount of image distortion due to the various aberrations of the rod lenses 1 increases proportionally with the size of the entire lens. On the other hand, rod lenses 1 with an r₀ smaller than 0.05 mm are difficult to produce and to assemble. Also, when the radius r₀ of the effective rod lens portions in the rod lens array 2 is larger than 0.60 mm, the aberration becomes too large.

The realizable value n₀ for the refractive index at the optical axis 1a of the rod lenses 1 (center refractive index) depends on the material for the rod lenses (glass or synthetic resin) and is in the range of 1.4≦n₀ ≦1.8. The brightness of the rod lenses 1 depends on the dimensionless factor g·r₀ or from the aperture angle indicating the range over which the lenses can accept light. The aperture angle θ (°) can be expressed by

    θ=(n.sub.0 ·g·r.sub.0)/(π/180). (Eq. 53)

It is preferable that the dimensionless factor g·r₀ is in the range 0.04≦g·r₀ ≦0.27. If g·r₀ is smaller than 0.04, the image becomes too dark and the time for scanning etc. becomes long. If g·r₀ is larger than 0.27, the influence of the image curvature and the astigmatism becomes too large and the resolving power decreases.

The preferable range for g·r₀, for example for a center refractive index of n₀ =1.60, corresponds to about 4°≦θ≦24°.

In an optical imaging system comprising such a rod lens array 2, a compound image is formed by the rod lenses 1 on the image plane 4, as is shown in FIG. 5, so that it is convenient to introduce a dimensionless factor describing the amount of overlap, that is, the so-called "overlapping degree". This overlapping degree m can be expressed as

    m=X.sub.0 /2r.sub.0                                        (Eq. 54)

wherein X₀ is the image radius (field of view) that a single rod lens 1 projects onto the image plane 4 and is defined as X₀ =-r₀ /cos(Z₀ π/P).

It is preferable that the overlapping degree m of the rod lens array 2 is in the range 1.0≦m≦5.0. If the overlapping degree m is larger than 5.0, the image becomes too dark and the time for scanning etc. becomes long. If the overlapping degree m is smaller than 1.0, periodical irregularities appear in the brightness of the image plane 4.

It is very desirable to match the distance 2R between the optical axes of neighboring rod lenses 1 with 2r₀ (diameter of the effective lens portion of the rod lenses 1), since then the largest amount of light can be focused onto the image. However, since the refractive index distribution at the peripheral portion of the rod lenses 1 can differ considerably from the designed value, this portion can often not be used for the lens. Also, sometimes the lenses comprise a light-absorbing layer to prevent stray light due to total reflection at the lens side surface. Moreover, depending on the conditions for assembling the rod lens array 2, sometimes the rod lenses 1 are arranged with a certain distance between each other. Considering the above circumstances, the ratio r₀ /R is set in the range of 0.5≦r₀ /R≦1.0.

When developing the present invention, the inventors took the standard for "high resolution" to mean "a value of at least 50% for the MTF of a 24 line-pairs/mm pattern on a center line of a rod lens array 2 comprising a plurality of rod lenses 1, which have an effective lens portion radius r₀ of 0.15 mm and are arranged in one row so that their optical axes la are parallel", and determined the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ that fulfill this standard.

To be specific, a rod lens array 2 with the above configuration was designed. Ray tracing was performed taking the perpendicular projection of point A as indicated in FIG. 6 onto the object plane for the light source. The MTF values of a 24 line-pairs/mm pattern were calculated for the X direction and for the Y direction, and the smaller value was taken as the MTF value for the rod lens array 2. The optical design software "Oslo Six" by Sinclair Optics (US) was used for the ray tracing. Then, for a rod lens array 2 with parameters as shown in Table 1, a range of the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ for which the MTF value of a 24 line-pairs/mm pattern is at least 50% was determined. This range is called "good image range" of the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ below. The wavelength λ of the light for the calculation of the MTF value was taken to be 587.6 nm. The upper limit of the resolving power due to diffraction is sufficiently larger than necessary for this good image range. Consequently, in the wavelength region where the rod lens array is normally used (about 300-2000 nm), the same good image range can be applied regardless of the wavelength.

                  TABLE 1                                                          ______________________________________                                                 g       r0           θ                                                                             Z.sub.0                                                                              L.sub.0                                n.sub.0 (mm.sup.-1)                                                                            (mm)   g · r.sub.0                                                                 (°)                                                                          (mm)  (mm)  m                                ______________________________________                                         A1   1.60   0.29089 0.15 0.04363                                                                              4    13.140                                                                               6.0675                                                                               1.50                           A2   1.60   0.43633 0.15 0.06545                                                                              6    8.758 4.0506                                                                               1.50                           A3   1.60   0.65450 0.15 0.09817                                                                              9    5.838 2.7023                                                                               1.50                           A4   1.60   0.87266 0.15 0.13090                                                                              12   4.379 2.0253                                                                               1.50                           A5   1.60   1.09083 0.15 0.16362                                                                              15   3.503 1.6208                                                                               1.50                           A6   1.60   1.30900 0.15 0.19635                                                                              18   2.919 1.3511                                                                               1.50                           A7   1.60   1.74533 0.15 0.26180                                                                              24   2.189 1.0141                                                                               1.50                           B1   1.40   0.87266 0.15 0.13090                                                                              10.5 4.379 2.3147                                                                               1.50                           B2   1.60   0.87266 0.15 0.13090                                                                              12   4.379 2.0253                                                                               1.50                           B3   1.80   0.87266 0.15 0.13090                                                                              13.5 4.379 1.8003                                                                               1.50                           C1   1.60   0.87266 0.15 0.13090                                                                              12   4.800 1.2405                                                                               1.00                           C2   1.60   0.87266 0.15 0.13090                                                                              12   4.379 2.0253                                                                               1.50                           C3   1.60   0.87266 0.15 0.13090                                                                              12   4.179 2.7743                                                                               2.00                           C4   1.60   0.87266 0.15 0.13090                                                                              12   3.984 4.2345                                                                               3.00                           C5   1.60   0.87266 0.15 0.13090                                                                              12   3.887 5.6890                                                                               4.00                           C6   1.60   0.87266 0.15 0.13090                                                                              12   3.830 7.1130                                                                               5.00                           ______________________________________                                    

Under any of the conditions shown in Table 1, the good image range can be drawn as a narrow ellipse in a Cartesian coordinate system having h₄ as the X-axis and h₆ as the Y-axis, as shown in FIG. 7. This good image range can be expressed by

    c-d≦h.sub.4 ≦c+d                             (Eq. 55)

    {(h.sub.4 -c)/d}.sup.2 +[{h.sub.6 -(a·h.sub.4 +b)}/e].sup.2 ≦1                                                 (Eq. 56)

wherein a is the slope of the central axis, b is the intercept of the central axis with the h₆ -axis, c is the h₄ -coordinate of the center of the central axis, d is the half width of the range spanned by the ellipse in the h₄ -direction, e is the half width of the ellipse in the h₆ -direction at its central h₄ -value.

The following is a discussion of how changes of the dimensionless factor g·r₀, the refractive index n₀ at the optical axis 1a of the rod lenses 1 (central refractive index), and the overlapping degree m influence these constants a, b, c, d, and e.

1 Influence of a Change of g·r₀

FIGS. 8 to 11 show the dependency of the constants a, b, c, d and e on the dimensionless factor g·r₀ under the conditions A1-A7 in Table 1 (i.e., the refractive index n₀ =1.60 at the optical axis 1a of the rod lenses 1 (central refractive index), a radius r₀ =0.15 mm of the effective lens portion, and an overlapping degree m=1.50). The constant c has the constant value 1.

From FIGS. 8 to 11, the constants a, b, d, and e can be expressed as polynomials of the dimensionless factor g·r₀ :

    log(-a)=3.632-24.54(g·r.sub.0)+102.4(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -172.8(g·r.sub.0).sup.3                          (Eq. 57)

    log(b)=3.729-28.78(g·r.sub.0)+131.4(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -238.6(g·r.sub.0).sup.3                          (Eq. 58)

    log(d)=2.216-18.01(g·r.sub.0)+53.51(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -73.59(g·r.sub.0).sup.3                          (Eq. 59)

    log(e)=5.327-47.81(g·r.sub.0)+197.7(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -334.2(g·r.sub.0).sup.3                          (Eq. 60)

In Eqs. 57 to 60, "log" means the common logarithm with a base of 10.

2 Influence of a Change of n₀

FIG. 12 shows the dependency of the constants d and e on the refractive index n₀ at the optical axis 1a of the rod lenses 1 (central refractive index) under the conditions B1-B3 in Table 1 (i.e., a dimensionless factor g·r₀ =0.13090, a radius r₀ =0.15 mm of the effective lens portion, and an overlapping degree m=1.50). The constants a, b, and c have the constant values a=-68, b=+52, c=+1. FIG. 12 shows the values of d and e as normalized values with d₀ and e₀ indicating the d and e for n₀ =1.60. It can be seen from FIG. 12 that d and e are constant even when n₀ is varied.

3 Influence of a Change of m

FIGS. 13 and 14 show the dependency of the constants d and e on the overlapping degree m under the conditions C1-C6 in Table 1 (i.e., a dimensionless factor g·r₀ =0.13090, an aperture angle θ=12°, a refractive index n₀ =1.60 at the optical axis 1a of the rod lenses 1 (central refractive index), a radius r₀ =0.15 mm of the effective lens portion). The constants a and c have the constant value a=-68 and c=+1. FIG. 15 shows the values of b as normalized values with bo indicating the b for m=1.5. It can be seen from FIG. 15 that b is almost constant even when m is varied. Moreover, as can be seen from FIGS. 13 and 14, the normalized values of d and e become smaller when m becomes large, so that the good image range shrinks.

Based on FIGS. 13 and 14, the constants d and e can be expressed by

    d/d.sub.0 =1.789-0.6063 m+0.06225 m.sup.2                  (Eq. 61)

and

    log(e/e.sub.0)=0.2460-0.1669 m+0.00056 m.sup.2             (Eq. 62)

wherein d₀ and e₀ are the d and e for m=1.50.

To sum up the results of 1, 2 and 3, the constants a, b, c, d, and e, which govern the good image range for the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ for a radius r₀ =0.15 mm of the effective lens portion, can be expressed using the dimensionless factor g·r₀ and the overlapping degree m:

    a=-10.sup.LA

    LA=3.632-24.54(g·r.sub.0)+102.4(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -172.8(g·r.sub.0).sup.3                          (Eq. 63)

    b=10.sup.LB

    LB=3.729-28.78(g·r.sub.0)+131.4(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -238.6(g·r.sub.0).sup.3                          (Eq. 64)

    c=1                                                        (Eq. 65)

    d=10.sup.LD ·(1.789-0.6063 m+0.06225 m.sup.2)

    LD=2.216-18.01(g·r.sub.0)+53.51(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -73.59(g·r.sub.0).sup.3                          (Eq. 66)

    e=10.sup.LE ·10.sup.LE2

    LE=5.327-47.81(g·r.sub.0)+197.7(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -334.2(g·r.sub.0).sup.3

    LE2=0.2460-0.1669 m+0.00056 m.sup.2                        (Eq. 67)

If the radius r₀ of the effective lens portion of the rod lenses 1 takes a value other than 15 mm, the amount of image distortion resulting from all aberrations of the rod lenses 1 increases proportionally to r₀, so that the good image range for the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ defined by Eqs. 55, 56, and 63 to 67 generally describes the following ranges:

r₀ =0.05 mm: MTF for a 72 line-pairs/mm pattern is greater than 50%

r₀ =0.30 mm: MTF for a 12 line-pairs/mm pattern is greater than 50%

r₀ =0.60 mm: MTF for a 6 line-pairs/mm pattern is greater than 50%

In this embodiment, it is preferable that a transparent substrate 5 with a parallel plane surface (cover glass) is arranged in a manner that the object plane 3 is located at the front focal position of the rod lens array 2, as shown in FIG. 16(a). With this configuration, the object plane 3 can be set at the front focal position just by pressing the manuscript to the surface of the transparent substrate 5. Moreover, it is preferable that the parallel plane transparent substrate (cover glass) 5 contacts the lens surface of the rod lens array 2, as shown in FIG. 16(b). This can be easily realized by adjusting the thickness of the transparent substrate (cover glass) 5. According to this embodiment, the adjustment of the distance between the rod lens array 2 and the front focal position can be simplified, which makes the assembly of the optical imaging system cheaper.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the good image range is defined by Eqs. 55 and 56, but an even better image range can be achieved by defining it with

    c-d/2≦h.sub.4 ≦c+d/2                         (Eq. 68)

    {2(h.sub.4 -c)/d}.sup.2 +[2{h.sub.6 -(a·h.sub.4 +b)}/e].sup.2 ≦1.                                                (Eq. 69)

Moreover, in this embodiment, the refractive index distribution of the rod lenses 1 is expressed by Eq. 51. However, it is not limited to such a distribution. For example, assuming that the secondary refractive distribution coefficient g, which governs the refractive power near the optical axis, stays the same, the refractive index distribution of the rod lenses 1 can be generally expressed by

    n(r).sup.2 =n.sub.0.sup.2 ·{1-(g·r).sup.2 +f(r)}(Eq. 70)

wherein f(r) is a function of r.

When the refractive index distribution can be expressed by the general Eq. 70, and f(r) satisfies

    h.sub.4A ·(g·r).sup.4 +h.sub.6A ·(g·r).sup.6 ≦f(r)≦h.sub.4B ·(g·r).sup.4 +h.sub.6B ·(g·r).sup.6(Eq. 71)

for r in a range of 0≦r≦r₀ for two groups of refractive index distribution coefficients (n₀, g, h_(4A), h_(6A)) and (n₀, g, h_(4B), h_(6B)) that are in the ranges defined by Eqs. 55, 56, and 63 to 67, as shown in FIG. 17, then a "good image range" can be attained for the refractive index distribution.

Second Embodiment

As is shown in FIGS. 1 and 18, in this embodiment, a plurality of acolumnar rod lenses 1 with a refractive index distribution in the radial direction are arranged in two rows in a rod lens array 2 for one-to-one imaging with their optical axes 1a in parallel. This optical imaging system focuses light from an object plane 3 onto an image plane 4, the planes being arranged on the two sides of the rod lens array 2.

As is shown in FIG. 3, the refractive index n of the rod lenses 1 underlies a distribution in the radial direction, which can be expressed by

    n(r).sup.2 =n.sub.0.sup.2 ·{1-(g·r).sup.2 +h.sub.4 ·(g·r).sup.4 +h.sub.6 ·(g·r).sup.6 }(Eq. 72)

wherein r is a radial distance from an optical axis 1a of the rod lenses 1, n(r) is the refractive index at the radial distance r from the optical axis 1a of the rod lens 1, n₀ is the refractive index at the optical axis 1a of the rod lenses 1 (center refractive index), and g, h₄ and h₆ are coefficients of the refractive index distribution.

To attain erected images as shown in FIG. 4, the ratio Z₀ /P of the length Z₀ of the rod lenses 1 and a one-pitch length P=2π/g of the rod lenses 1 has to be in the range 0.5<Z₀ /P<1.0.

The distance L₀ between the edge (rlens surface) of the rod lens array 2 and the object plane 3 and the distance L₀ between the edge (lens surface) of the rod lens array 2 and the imaging plane 4 (see FIG. 18) can be expressed by

    L.sub.0 =-{1/(n.sub.0 g)}·tan(Z.sub.0 π/P).    (Eq. 73)

It is preferable that the radius r₀ of the effective rod lens portion, that is the radius of the rod lens 1 functioning as a lens is in a range of 0.05 mm ≦r₀ ≦0.60 mm.

Lenses with a small r₀ can attain a high resolution more easily, because the amount of image distortion due to the various aberrations of the rod lenses 1 increases proportionally with the size of the entire lens. On the other hand, rod lenses 1 with an r₀ smaller than 0.05 mm are difficult to produce and to assemble. Also, when the radius r₀ of the effective rod lens portions in the rod lens array 2 is larger than 0.60 mm, the aberration becomes too large.

The realizable value n₀ for the refractive index at the optical axis 1a of the rod lenses 1 (center refractive index) depends on the material for the rod lenses (glass or synthetic resin) and is in the range of 1.4≦n₀ ≦1.8. The brightness of the rod lenses 1 depends on the dimensionless factor g·r₀ or from the aperture angle indicating the range over which the lenses can accept light. The aperture angle θ (°) can be expressed by

    θ=(n.sub.0 ·g·r.sub.0)/(π/180). (Eq. 74)

It is preferable that the dimensionless factor g·r₀ is in the range 0.04≦g·r₀ ≦0.27. If g·r₀ is smaller than 0.04, the image becomes too dark and the time for scanning etc. becomes long. If g·r₀ is larger than 0.27, the influence of the image curvature and the astigmatism becomes too large and the resolving power decreases.

The preferable range for g·r₀, for example for a center refractive index of n₀ =1.60, corresponds to about 4°≦θ≦24°.

In an optical imaging system comprising such a rod lens array 2, a compound image is formed by the rod lenses 1 on the image plane 4, as is shown in FIG. 5, so that it is convenient to introduce a dimensionless factor describing the amount of overlap, that is, the so-called "overlapping degree". This overlapping degree m can be expressed as

    m=X.sub.0 /2r.sub.0                                        (Eq. 75)

wherein X₀ is the image radius (field of view) that a single rod lens 1 projects onto the image plane 4, which is defined as X₀ =-r₀ /cos(Z₀ π/P).

It is preferable that the overlapping degree m of the rod lens array 2 is in the range 1.0≦m≦5.0. If the overlapping degree m is larger than 5.0, the image becomes too dark and the time for scanning etc. becomes long. If the overlapping degree m is smaller than 1.0, periodical irregularities appear in the brightness of the image plane 4.

It is very desirable to match the distance 2R between the optical axes of neighboring rod lenses 1 with 2 r₀ (diameter of the effective lens portion of the rod lenses 1), since then the largest amount of light can be focused on the image. However, since the refractive index distribution at the peripheral portion of the rod lenses 1 can differ considerably from the designed value, this portion can often not be used for the lens. Also, sometimes the lenses comprise a light-absorbing layer to prevent stray light due to total reflection at the lens side surface. Moreover, depending on the conditions for assembling the rod lens array 2, sometimes the rod lenses 1 are arranged with a certain distance between each other. Considering the above circumstances, the ratio r₀ /R is set in the range of 0.5≦r₀ /R≦10.

When developing the present invention, the inventors took the standard for "high resolution" to mean "a value of at least 50% for the MTF of a 24 line-pairs/mm pattern on a center line of a rod lens array 2 comprising a plurality of rod lenses 1, which have an effective lens portion radius r₀ of 0.15 mm and are arranged in two rows so that their optical axes 1a are parallel", and determined the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ that fulfill this standard.

To be specific, a rod lens array 2 with the above configuration was designed. Ray tracing was performed taking the perpendicular projection of a point B as indicated in FIG. 19 onto the object plane for the light source. The MTF values of a 24 line-pairs/mm pattern were calculated for the X direction and for the Y direction, and the smaller value was taken as the MTF value for the rod lens array 2. The optical design software "Oslo Six" by Sinclair Optics (US) was used for the ray tracing. Then, for a rod lens array 2 with parameters as shown in Table 1, a range of the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ for which the MTF value of a 24 line-pairs/mm pattern is at least 50% was determined. This range is called "good image range" of the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ below.

Under any of the conditions shown in Table 1, the good image range can be drawn as a narrow ellipse in a Cartesian coordinate system having h₄ as the X-axis and h₆ as the Y-axis, as shown in FIG. 7. This good image range can be expressed by

    c-d≦h.sub.4 ≦c+d                             (Eq. 76)

    {(h.sub.4 -c)/d}.sup.2 +[{h.sub.6 -(a·h.sub.4 +b)}/e].sup.2 ≦1                                                 (Eq. 77)

wherein a is the slope of the central axis, b is the intercept of the central axis with the h₆ -axis, c is the h₄ -coordinate of the center of the central axis, d is the half width of the range spanned by the ellipse in the h₄ -direction, e is the half width of the ellipse in the h₆ -direction at its central h₄ -value.

The following is a discussion of how changes of the dimensionless factor g·r₀, the refractive index n₀ at the optical axis 1a of the rod lenses 1 (central refractive index), and the overlapping degree m influence these constants a, b, c, d, and e.

4 Influence of a Change of g·r₀

FIGS. 20 to 23 show the dependency of the constants a, b, c, d and e upon the dimensionless factor g·r₀ under the conditions A1-A7 in Table 1 (i.e., the refractive index n₀ =1.60 at the optical axis 1a of the rod lenses 1 (central refractive index), a radius r₀ =0.15 mm of the effective lens portion, and an overlapping degree m=1.50). The constant c has the constant value 1.

From FIGS. 20 to 23, the constants a, b, d, and e can be expressed as polynomials of the dimensionless factor g·r₀ :

    log(-a)=3.6631-25.192(g·r.sub.0)+103.73(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -170.81(g·r.sub.0).sup.3                         (Eq. 78)

    log(b)=3.3489-21.092(g·r.sub.0)+78.535(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -128.31(g·r.sub.0).sup.3                         (Eq. 79)

    log(d)=2.358-22.161(g·r.sub.0)+84.009(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -141.6(g·r.sub.0).sup.3                          (Eq. 80)

    log(e)=5.3197-48.816(g·r.sub.0)+197.65(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -317.05(g·r.sub.0).sup.3                         (Eq. 81)

In Eqs. 78 to 81, "log" means the common logarithm with a base of 10.

5 Influence of a Change of n₀

FIG. 24 shows the dependency of the constants d and e on the refractive index n₀ at the optical axis 1a of the rod lenses 1 (central refractive index) under the conditions B1-B3 in Table 1 (i.e., a dimensionless factor g·r₀ =0.13090, a radius r₀ =0.15 mm of the effective lens portion, and an overlapping degree m=1.50). The constants a, b, and c had the constant values a=-60, b=+46, c=+1. FIG. 24 shows the values of d and e as normalized values with d₀ and e₀ indicating the d and e for n₀ =1.6. It can be seen from FIG. 24 that d and e are constant even when n₀ is varied.

6 Influence of a Change of m

FIGS. 25 and 26 show the dependency of the constants d and e on the overlapping degree m under the conditions C1-C6 in Table 1 (i.e., a dimensionless factor g·r₀ =0.13090, an aperture angle θ=12°, a refractive index n₀ =1.60 at the optical axis 1a of the rod lenses 1 (central refractive index), a radius r₀ =0.15 mm of the effective lens portion). The constants a and c have the constant value a=-60 and c=+1. FIG. 27 shows the values of b as normalized values with b₀ indicating the b for m=1.5. It can be seen from FIG. 27 that b is almost constant even when m is varied. Moreover, as can be seen from FIGS. 25 and 26, the normalized values of d and e become smaller when m becomes large, so that the good image range shrinks.

Based on FIGS. 25 and 26, the constants d and e can be expressed by

    d/d.sub.0 =1.7805-0.6275 m-0.064757 m.sup.2                (Eq. 82)

and

    log(e/e.sub.0)=0.56302-0.42878 m+0.042574 m.sup.2          (Eq. 83)

wherein d₀ and e₀ are the d and e for m=1.50.

To sum up the results of 4, 5 and 6, the constants a, b, c, d, and e, which govern the good image range for the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ for a radius r₀ =0.15 mm of the effective lens portion, can be expressed using the dimensionless factor g·r₀ and the overlapping degree m:

    a=-10.sup.LA

    LA=3.6631-25.192(g·r.sub.0)+103.73(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -170.81(g·r.sub.0).sup.3                         (Eq. 84)

    b=10.sup.LB

    LB=3.3489-21.092(g·r.sub.0)+78.535(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -128.31(g·r.sub.0).sup.3                         (Eq. 85)

    c=1                                                        (Eq. 86)

    d=10.sup.LD ·(1.7805-0.6275 m-0.064757 m.sup.2)

    LD=2.358-22.161(g·r.sub.0)+84.009(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -141.6(g·r.sub.0).sup.3                          (Eq. 87)

    e=10.sup.LE ·10.sup.LE2

    LE=5.3197-48.816(g·r.sub.0)+197.65(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -317.05(g·r.sub.0).sup.3

    LE2=0.56302-0.42878 m+0.042574 m.sup.2                     (Eq. 88)

If the radius r₀ of the effective lens portion of the rod lenses 1 takes a value other than 15 mm, the amount of image distortion resulting from all aberrations of the rod lenses 1 increases proportionally to r₀, so that the good image range for the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ defined by Eqs. 76, 77, and 84 to 88 generally describes the following ranges:

r₀ =0.05 mm: MTF for a 72 line-pairs/mm pattern is greater than 50%

r₀ =0.30 mm: MTF for a 12 line-pairs/mm pattern is greater than 50%

r₀ =0.60 mm: MTF for a 6 line-pairs/mm pattern is greater than 50%

In this embodiment, it is preferable that a transparent substrate (cover glass) 5 with a parallel plane surface is arranged in a manner that the object plane 3 is located at the front focal position of the rod lens array 2, as shown in FIG. 16(a). With this configuration, the object plane 3 can be set at the front focal position just by pressing the manuscript to the surface of the transparent substrate 5. Moreover, it is preferable that the parallel plane transparent substrate (cover glass) 5 contacts the lens surface of the rod lens array 2, as shown in FIG. 16(b). This can be easily realized by adjusting the thickness of the transparent substrate (cover glass) 5. According to this embodiment, the adjustment of the distance between the rod lens array 2 and the front focal position can be simplified, which makes the assembly of the optical imaging system cheaper.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the good image range is defined by Eqs. 76 and 77, but an even better image range can be achieved by defining it with

    c-d/2≦h.sub.4 ≦c+d/2                         (Eq. 89)

    {2(h.sub.4 -c)/d}.sup.2 +[2{h.sub.6 -(a·h.sub.4 +b)}/e].sup.2 ≦1.                                                (Eq. 90)

Moreover, in this embodiment, the refractive index distribution of the rod lenses 1 is expressed by Eq. 72. However, it is not limited to such a distribution. For example, assuming that the secondary refractive distribution coefficient g, which governs the refractive power near the optical axis, stays the same, the refractive index distribution of the rod lenses 1 can be generally expressed by

    n(r).sup.2 =n.sub.0.sup.2 ·{1-(g·r).sup.2 +f(r)}(Eq. 91)

wherein f(r) is a function of r.

When the refractive index distribution can be expressed by the general Eq. 91, and f(r) satisfies

    h.sub.4A ·(g·r).sup.4 +h.sub.6A ·(g·r).sup.6 ≦f(r)≦h.sub.4B ·(g·r).sup.4 +h.sub.6B ·(g·r).sup.6(Eq. 92)

in a range of 0≦r≦r₀ for two groups of refractive index distribution coefficients (n₀, g, h_(4A), h_(6A)) and (n₀, g, h_(4B), h_(6B)) that are in the ranges defined by Eqs. 76, 77, and 84 to 88, as shown in FIG. 17, then a "good image range" can be attained for the refractive index distribution.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The embodiments disclosed in this application are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An optical imaging system for focusing light from an object plane onto an image plane, comprising:a rod lens array having a plurality of rod lenses with a refractive index distribution in a radial direction that are arranged in one row so that their optical axes are parallel; wherein the refractive index distribution of said rod lenses can be expressed by

    n(r).sup.2 =n.sub.0.sup.2 ·{1-(g·r).sup.2 +h.sub.4 ·(g·r).sup.4 +h.sub.6 ·(g·r).sup.6 }(Eq. 1)

wherein r is a radial distance from an optical axis of said rod lenses, n₀ is a refractive index at the optical axis of said rod lenses, and g, h₄ and h₆ are coefficients of the refractive index distribution; constants a, b, c, d, and e are given by

    a=-10.sup.LA

    LA=3.632-24.54(g·r.sub.0)+102.4(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -172.8(g·r.sub.0).sup.3                          (Eq. 2)

    b=10.sup.LB

    LB=3.729-28.78(g·r.sub.0)+131.4(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -238.6(g·r.sub.0).sup.3                          (Eq. 3)

    c=1                                                        (Eq. 4)

    d=10.sup.LD ·(1.789-0.6063 m+0.06225 m.sup.2)

    LD=2.216-18.01(g·r.sub.0)+53.51(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -73.59(g·r.sub.0).sup.3                          (Eq. 5)

    e=10.sup.LE ·10.sup.LE2

    LE=5.327-47.81(g·r.sub.0)+197.7(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -334.2(g·r.sub.0).sup.3

    LE2=0.2460-0.1669 m+0.00056 m.sup.2                        (Eq. 6)

wherein r₀ is a radius of a portion of said rod lenses functioning as a lens, and m is an overlapping degree; and the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ are in ranges defined by

    c-d≦h.sub.4 ≦c+d                             (Eq. 7)

    {(h.sub.4 -c)/d}.sup.2 +[{h.sub.6 -(a·h.sub.4 +b)}/e].sup.2 ≦1.                                                (Eq. 8)


2. The optical imaging system of claim 1, wherein the refractive distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ are in ranges defined by

    c-d/2≦h.sub.4 ≦c+d/2                         (Eq. 9)

    {2(h.sub.4 -c)/d}.sup.2 +[2{h.sub.6 -(a·h.sub.4 +b)}/e].sup.2 ≦1.                                                (Eq. 10)


3. The optical imaging system of claim 1, wherein the refractive index n₀ at the optical axis of the rod lenses is in a range of 1.4≦n₀ ≦1.8.
 4. The optical imaging system of claim 1, wherein a product g·r₀ of the refractive index distribution coefficient g and the radius r₀ of the portion of said rod lenses functioning as a lens is in a range of 0.04≦g·r₀ ≦0.27.
 5. The optical imaging system of claim 1, wherein the refractive index distribution of the rod lenses is given by

    n(r).sup.2 =n.sub.0.sup.2 ·{1-(g·r).sup.2 +f(r)}(Eq. 11)

wherein f(r) is a function of r that satisfies

    h.sub.4A ·(g·r).sup.4 +h.sub.6A ·(g·r).sup.6 ≦f(r)≦h.sub.4B ·(g·r).sup.4 +h.sub.6B ·(g·r).sup.6(Eq. 12)

for r in a range of 0≦r≦r₀ (r₀ : radius of the portion of said rod lenses functioning as a lens) for two groups of refractive index distribution coefficients (n₀, g, h_(4A), h_(6A)) and (n₀, g, h_(4B), h_(6B)) that are in the ranges defined by Eq. 2-Eq.
 8. 6. The optical imaging system of claim 1, wherein the radius r₀ of the portion of said rod lenses functioning as a lens is in a range of 0.05 mm≦r₀ ≦0.60 mm.
 7. The optical imaging system of claim 1, wherein r₀ /R is in the range 0.5≦r₀ /R≦1.0, wherein r₀ is the radius of the portion of said rod lenses functioning as a lens and 2R is a distance between the optical axis of two neighboring rod lenses.
 8. The optical imaging system of claim 1, wherein Z₀ /P is in the range 0.5<Z₀ /P<1.0, wherein Z₀ is a length of a rod lens and P=2π/g is a one-pitch length of said rod lenses.
 9. The optical imaging system of claim 1, wherein the overlapping degree m that is defined as m=X₀ /2r₀, wherein X₀ is an image radius that said rod lenses project onto the image plane and r₀ is the radius of the portion of said rod lenses functioning as a lens, is in a range of 1.0≦m≦5.0.
 10. The optical imaging system of claim 1, wherein a parallel plane transparent substrate is arranged so that the object plane is positioned at a front focal position of the rod lens array.
 11. The optical imaging system of claim 10, wherein the parallel plane substrate contacts lens surfaces of the rod lens array.
 12. An optical imaging system for focusing light from an object plane onto an image plane, comprising:a rod lens array having a plurality of rod lenses with a refractive index distribution in a radial direction that are arranged in two rows so that their optical axes are parallel; wherein the refractive index distribution of said rod lenses can be expressed by

    n(r).sup.2 =n.sub.0.sup.2 ·{1-(g·r).sup.2 +h.sub.4 ·(g·r).sup.4 +h.sub.6 ·(g·r).sup.6 }(Eq. 13)

wherein r is a radial distance from an optical axis of said rod lenses, n₀ is a refractive index at the optical axis of said rod lenses, and g, h₄ and h₆ are coefficients of the refractive index distribution; constants a, b, c, d, and e are given by

    a=-10.sup.LA

    LA=3.6631-25.192(g·r.sub.0)+103.73(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -170.81(g·r.sub.0).sup.3                         (Eq. 14)

    b=10.sup.LB

    LB=3.3489-21.092(g·r.sub.0)+78.535(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -128.31(g·r.sub.0).sup.3                         (Eq. 15)

    c=1                                                        (Eq. 16)

    d=10.sup.LD ·(1.7805-0.6275 m-0.064757 m.sup.2)

    LD=2.358-22.161(g·r.sub.0)+84.009(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -141.6(g·r.sub.0).sup.3                          (Eq. 17)

    e=10.sup.LE ·10.sup.LE2

    LE=5.3197-48.816(g·r.sub.0)+197.65(g·r.sub.0).sup.2 -317.05(g·r.sub.0).sup.3

    LE2=0.56302-0.42878 m+0.042574 m.sup.2                     (Eq. 18)

wherein r₀ is a radius of a portion of said rod lenses functioning as a lens, and m is the overlapping degree; and the refractive index distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ are in the ranges defined by

    c-d≦h.sub.4 ≦c+d                             (Eq. 19)

and

    {(h.sub.4 -c)/d}.sup.2 +[{h.sub.6 -(a·h.sub.4 +b)}/e].sup.2 ≦1.                                                (Eq. 20)


13. The optical imaging system of claim 12, wherein the refractive distribution coefficients h₄ and h₆ are in the ranges defined by

    c-d/2≦h.sub.4 ≦c+d/2                         (Eq. 21)

    {2 (h.sub.4 -c)/d}.sup.2 +[2{h.sub.6 -(a·h.sub.4 +b)}/e].sup.2 ≦1.                                                (Eq. 22)


14. The optical imaging system of claim 12, wherein the refractive index n₀ at the optical axis of the rod lenses is in a range of 1.4≦n₀ ≦1.8.
 15. The optical imaging system of claim 12, wherein a product g·r₀ of the refractive index distribution coefficient g and the radius r₀ of the portion functioning as a lens is in a range of 0.04≦g·r₀ ≦0.27.
 16. The optical imaging system of claim 12, wherein the refractive index distribution of the rod lenses is given by

    n(r).sup.2 =n.sub.0.sup.2 ·{1-(g·r).sup.2 +f(r)}(Eq. 23)

wherein f(r) is a function of r that satisfies

    h.sub.4A ·(g·r).sup.4 +h.sub.6A ·(g·r).sup.6 ≦f(r)≦h.sub.4B ·(g·r).sup.4 +h.sub.6B ·(g·r).sup.6(Eq. 24)

for r in a range of 0≦r≦r₀ (r₀ : radius of the portion of said rod lenses functioning as a lens) for two groups of refractive index distribution coefficients (n₀, g, h_(4A), h_(6A)) and (n₀, g, h_(4B), h_(6B)) that are in the ranges defined by Eq. 14-Eq.
 20. 17. The optical imaging system of claim 12, wherein the radius r₀ of the portion of said rod lenses functioning as a lens is in a range of 0.05 mm≦r₀ ≦0.60 mm.
 18. The optical imaging system of claim 12, wherein r₀ /R is in the range 0.5≦r₀ /R≦1.0, wherein r₀ is the radius of the portion of said rod lenses functioning as a lens and 2R is a distance between the optical axis of two neighboring rod lenses.
 19. The optical imaging system of claim 12, wherein Z₀ /P is in the range 0.5<Z₀ /P<1.0, wherein Z₀ is a length of a rod lens and P=2π/g is a one-pitch length of said rod lenses.
 20. The optical imaging system of claim 12, wherein the overlapping degree m that is defined as m=X₀ /2r₀, wherein X₀ is an image radius that said rod lenses project onto the image plane and r₀ is the radius of the portion of said rod lenses functioning as a lens, is in a range of 1.0≦m≦5.0.
 21. The optical imaging system of claim 12, wherein a parallel plane ransparent substrate is arranged so that the object plane is positioned at a front focal position of the rod lens array.
 22. The optical imaging system of claim 21, wherein the parallel plane substrate contacts lens surfaces of the rod lens array. 